§ Dr. GibsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what research his Department has evaluated into(a) comparative rates of screening detection and (b) treatment regimes for breast cancer in (i) France, (ii) Germany, (iii) the USA and (iv) the United Kingdom. [56040]
§ Ms JowellIt is not possible to compare the National Health Service breast cancer screening programme with services in France, Germany and the United States of America as they do not have comprehensive population breast screening programmes.
The Department has not itself commissioned any international comparisons of breast cancer treatment regimes. Treatment regimes will depend on protocols drawn up and agreed based on professional guidelines, research evidence, local organisation of health services and the needs and characteristics of the local population. However, the Department published in 1996 "Guidance on Improving Outcomes in Breast Cancer", the first in a series of evidence-based guidance on specific cancers. This included a systematic review of international research literature and evidence of effectiveness of breast cancer treatments. The guidance is being used to improve the provision of breast cancer screening services. Copies are available in the Library.